Review: The Ruling Families of Rus by Christian Raffensperger & Donald Ostrowski

Synopsis: A new history of the Kyivan Rus, a medieval dynastic state in eastern Europe.

Kyivan Rus’ was a state in northeastern Europe from the late ninth to the mid-sixteenth century that encompassed a variety of peoples, including Lithuanians, Polish, and Ottomans. The Ruling Families of Rus explores the region’s history through local families, revealing how the concept of family rule developed over the centuries into what we understand as dynasties today. Examining a broad range of archival sources, the authors examine the development of Rus, Lithuania, Muscovy, and Tver and their relationships with the Mongols, Byzantines, and others. The Ruling Families of Rus will appeal to scholars interested in the medieval history of eastern Europe.

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The object of this book is to explore family rule and how it "morphed through the centuries" into the concept of dynasty - with the main focus on the ruling families of Kievan Rus.

The author begins each chapter with a summary of intent before expounding upon a more detailed study. We begin with some background to the Kingdom of Rus, its establishment and their key characters. I would suggest a rudimentary knowledge of this particular segment of history though the author does provide a genealogy of those being discussed.

Chapter Two identifies the key principle being used in the book and why these are orientated around family ties, issues of succession and inheritance. Also under discussion are the "descent myths" and legitimacy of the family line. Here too, Raffensperger challenges historical records.

Then the focus is narrowed down to primary characters such as Volodimer the Christianiser, Fedor/Mstiskav, Vladimir Suzdal, Vsevolod and his Ukrainian rival Roman Mstilavich. Chapter Seven looks at 13th century Novogorod, which leads into the 14th century and the reign of Alexander Nevsky, and Kyiv and its rulers.

Chapter Ten focuses on the women. Raffensperger says: ". relationships among ruling families were defined by the wives, mothers and daughters of the rulers, both through alliance formed by marriage and, more directly, through the influence of particularly well-placed, politically astute women .." This becomes an equally important chapter when discussing families and dynasties.

The final two chapters cover off the rule of Dimitri Donskoi in Moscow, and the aftermath of inter-clan conflict between Vasilii II and Iurii in the 15th century; whilst the Epilogue discusses the end of clan rule in Moscow in the late 16th century.

All in all, I found this to be a fascinating read - the subject matter was right up my alley as I have a number of books on this period myself. I myself did not struggle with the content however, as mentioned beforehand, a rudimentary knowledge would be advantageous for a new reader.

Review: Dracul - Of The Father by A Brackob

Synopsis: For the first time the true story of the man who founded the Dracula dynasty is revealed.

Stories of Dracula have fascinated people around the world for generations. Both the fictional vampire created by the Irish author Bram Stoker at the end of the nineteenth century and the fifteenth century Prince called Vlad the Impaler, the man regarded as the historical Dracula, have become part of universal culture. Yet few realize that the Wallachian ruler dubbed “the Impaler,” is not the original Dracula. Instead, that distinction belongs to his father, a little-known prince called Vlad Dracul. 

The elder Vlad, who gained the sobriquet Dracul or Dracula when Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund of Luxemburg initiated him into the Order of the Dragon in February 1431, was among the most important political personalities of his day. He far surpassed his more famous namesake in those qualities that define a great ruler.

Several books have been devoted to the study of his famous son, Vlad the Impaler, but any search for the historical Dracula must begin with the story of the father. Now, for the first time, based on extensive documentary research, the true story of the man who founded the Dracula dynasty is revealed.

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A rather comprehensive history of the Eastern European region, especially as it relates to its overall interactions with the Ottoman Empire. In addition, it is also a rather detail biography on not only the father of the infamous Vlad the Impaler - Vlad Dracul - but also of his equally important grandfather, Mircea the Old.

The author begins with the origins of the epithet "Dracul"; the realm of Wallachia - administration, history, towns, people - as it was under the dynasty; before providing a more broader study of the area, including a focus on its invaders and conquerors, an understanding of regional warfare, and its interactions with the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century.

Chapter Four is dedicated to Mircea the Old - the father of Vlad Dracul and grandfather of Vlad the Impaler. There is a lot going on under Mircea - his ongoing relationships with not only the Ottomans, but also Hungary and Poland. It serves as study of resilience, tenacity and politicking, a trait that his son and successor, Vlad Dracul would also possess.

Civil War in Walachia prevails upon the death of Mircea; the realm is consistently plundered and subjugated as rivals within the ruling family battle it out for supremacy, often with the backing of Wallachia's rival empires. Pretenders are brought forward at various times; hostages are taken; power is consolidated.

Ultimately, Vlad Dracul is successful in attaining Wallachia and successfully repelling its Ottoman invaders. Much of Vlad's military career was set against both the Ottomans (both allies and enemies), and a man who would become his most bitter rival - Jan Hunyadi. At various times, both European rulers and the Papacy call for a Crusade - Vlad is both participant and also an observer.

The dynasty of Vlad Dracul lived in an extraordinary turbulent time in history. Danger was everywhere - there was threats from the Ottomans, the Plague, rival neighbours; there was disunity among the Christian rulers; the Reformation was taking shape; the fall of Byzantium was inevitable; intrigue, suspense, betrayal and warfare were prevalent. Wallachia was literally surrounded by enemies, and its rulers made alliances as the need arose - sometimes those allies were enemies - other times they were both. It was remarkable to discover how these two men - Mircea and Vlad Dracul - were able to navigate the politics of the day. Both were statesmen and military commanders beyond the compare; both were wise, tenacious, and beloved of their people.

This is a worthy addition for anyone whose area of study is not only this region of Eastern Europe, but also this particular ruling family.  A worthy tome to sit beside my copy of the biography of the grandson of Mircea - Vlad the Impaler.

See also: "Mircea the Old" by AK Brackob

Youth Movements and Elections in Eastern Europe by Olena Nikolayenko

Review by Anna Nadibaidze for Democratic Audit UK:

In Youth Movements and Elections in Eastern Europe, Olena Nikolayenko examines the role played by youth activists in mobilising citizens prior to elections against incumbent repressive regimes in post-communist Europe, focusing on Serbia, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan in the early 2000s. Drawing on interviews, government sources, NGOs and media reports, this book offers important insight into the impact of youth movements upon democratisation processes, as well as the challenges they face.

In conclusion, the insights into the youth protest movements in the five Eastern European countries studied in this book are important for those who are interested in the role of youth in processes of democratisation, not only in post-communist countries, but around the world. The book’s message is that while youth can be an important factor in social change, they need to show ‘a great deal of resourcefulness’ and innovative ideas to develop expertise and mobilise citizens against a repressive regime.